Inaugural “Black Movie Hall of Fame” Launches At KC Film Fest International In March
The Kansas City FilmFest International (KCFFI) is pleased to announce a collaboration with Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Black Cinema and the Boone Theater’s Black Movie Hall of Fame for the launch of a Black Film Series at the 2022 film festival.
“KC FilmFest International is honored to be partnering with the Critics Choice Association and the Boone Theater to present Celebrate Black Cinema and the launch of the Black Movie Hall of Fame,” said Veronica Elliott Loncar, Executive Director, KC FilmFest International. “We’re excited to help bring a spotlight to and engage audiences with black filmmakers and the stories they are bringing to the big screen.”
The event will take place in the historic Vine District of Kansas City.
“It’s an honor to be able to partner Celebration of Black Cinema with my hometown film festival,” said Shawn Edwards, Executive Producer, Celebration of Black Cinema. “Black stories matter and KCFFI understands their importance. I’m thrilled at the opportunity of showcasing a couple of films about the Black experience at the festival. And super excited about announcing the plans for the Black Movie Hall of Fame.”
“We’re happy to be a part of the festivities and announce our plans for the Black Movie Hall of Fame coming to the Boone Theater”, added Shomari Benton, Co-Owner of Vine Street Collaborative, Developers of the Boone Theater Project. “The intersection of Hollywood and Kansas City has had a long and shared history in the film industry. And we’re thrilled to tell a side of the story that has never been told.”
Edwards contacted another Kansas City native – painter Warren “Stylz” Harvey, whose work was recently featured in the Peacock series “Bel-Air,” to create the portraits of the inaugural inductees. Harvey uses acrylic paints and describes his style as geometrical with deep roots in spirituality.
The actual inductees won’t be announced until March 30th at The Boone Theater, where the museum will live and is currently undergoing it’s own project. A VIP Reception and movie screening will also take place on this date. The theater also announced it would soon house digital media labs, dinners and The Black Repertory Theater of Kansas City (“BRTKC”), and more.